UCF Football: 5 spring 2019 storylines to follow

1. Quarterback Controversy

Heading into the 2019 season, the quarterback controversy that will likely ensue will be the hot-button issue to keep an eye on.

With McKenzie Milton likely sidelined for the entirety of next season, the dawn of a new starting signal caller is of the utmost importance.

Milton could have returned in 2019 for his senior season, however, his 2018 season ended on an ominous note after sustaining a brutal leg injury in the final game of the regular season.

At the very beginning of the offseason, it appeared that rising redshirt sophomore Darriel Mack Jr. was the obvious candidate to replace Milton. Given his fine play in two spot starts at the end of last season.

In that two-game stretch, Mack Jr. threw for a combined 445 yards and seven total touchdowns. He looked sharp in the AAC Conference Championship game against a feisty Memphis squad, and for his valiant efforts, he was awarded the game MVP.

However, in the Fiesta Bowl, Mack Jr. didn’t fare nearly as well — only throwing for one touchdown and running for -3 rushing yards against LSU.

The season finale performance by Mack Jr. shouldn’t have any bearing on his outlook for the 2019 season, although, he will now almost certainly be locked into a position battle.

UCF received reinforcement in the form of Notre Dame graduate transfer Brandon Wimbush — a beleaguered former starting quarterback hoping to revitalize his former glory.

Even though Wimbush was benched after three games last season, he ran the Irish offense in place of an injured Ian Book against Florida State. He had a solid showing in his own right, helping lead Notre Dame to a decisive victory.

On one hand, the Knights have a backup quarterback from last year who proved fairly effective when he was called upon to be the next man up. On the other side, the Knights welcome an ex four-star prospect that once started for one of college football’s most storied programs.

Mack Jr. and Wimbush each have similar play styles, in that, they both present dual-threat capabilities. Of course, they both favor the pass more so than the run.

Both of these quarterbacks have a stake to their claim, which will leave Heupel with a hair-pulling decision to make — possibly by the conclusion of spring camp but more likely during training camp come this summer.

One thing is for certain though: UCF has two more-than-capable quarterbacks on its roster and as Alabama proved last season, that’s not a particularly bad problem to have.